By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th September 2024: In the last three years, the Tripura Police have taken action against 3 lakh anti-social elements, while witnessing a nearly tenfold rise in arrests of border touts, according to Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan.
DGP Ranjan provided this update after a review meeting on law and order with Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the Police Headquarters on Monday. “The Chief Minister held an in-depth discussion on border issues, law and order, and other concerns. He emphasized that there should be no compromise when it comes to maintaining law and order. We must ensure a peaceful Durga Puja and take firm action against extortion. District SPs have been directed to closely monitor incidents, visit camps and areas, and ensure the welfare of police personnel,” DGP Ranjan stated.
During the meeting, the CM particularly emphasized the importance of tackling drug trafficking and dealing with the issue of Rohingya infiltration. The CM also stressed the need for annual inspections, addressing property crimes, small thefts, and improving border coordination.
DGP Ranjan highlighted a notable reduction in overall crime. Comparing data from 2014-2016 (up to August) with 2022-2024 (up to August), he reported that crime figures, which once stood at 10,000, have dropped to 9,000. “In 2014, the overall crime count was 4,026, but by August 2024, it has reduced to 2,700. Despite population growth and various constraints, we have managed to control and reduce crime,” he added.
Crimes against women have also seen a significant drop. In 2014-2016, there were 2,700 such cases, while by August 2024, the figure has been brought down to 1,500. Similarly, offenses involving physical violence have dropped from 2,800 to 2,500, and property crimes have decreased from 1,240 to approximately 800.The DGP also emphasized the state’s focus on combating drug-related crimes. Tripura has recorded the highest seizure rates of narcotics in the Northeast region, despite challenges posed by its position on the international highway that facilitates drug trafficking through the “Golden Triangle” to Bangladesh. Between 2014 and 2016, there were 83 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases; that number has now surged to 512, underscoring the state’s intensified crackdown.
Over the past three years, the police have detained around 2,000 people for illegal infiltration, with a significant number being touts who assist individuals in crossing the border.
“From 2022 to 2024, the arrest of touts has risen by 10 times. We have taken preventive action against 1.70 lakh people, and prosecution reports have been submitted for over 1 lakh offenders. Altogether, nearly 3 lakh anti-social elements have been dealt with, which is a record high in the past 15 years,” the DGP added.
The Chief Minister has instructed the police to maintain close coordination with central agencies, border security forces, and other entities to further bolster security at the borders. Senior police officers are actively present on the ground to ensure these measures are enforced effectively.
